Malouf Sleep Pillow Reviews

Last Updated on February 28, 2019

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Quick Overview

Malouf Sleep, also known as Malouf, is a Utah-based company that manufactures and sells bedding accessories. The brand’s current lineup features a wide range of pillow options as part of the Z Pillows collection. These include the following:

Malouf’s Dough pillows are made of proprietary memory foam. The following subcategories comprise the current Dough selection.

The flagship Dough pillow is constructed with a single piece of non-ventilated memory foam and a Tencel® lyocell cover. It is available in three loft settings, as well as two firmness options.

The Zoned Dough is ventilated to promote better airflow and provide more temperature neutrality for sleepers. This pillow is available in the same firmness and loft settings as the flagship Dough. In addition to standard memory foam, customers can opt for infusions of bamboo charcoal, chamomile, peppermint, or lavender.

The Zoned Shoulder Dough pillow is shaped with a large cutout on the bottom, which makes it more suitable for side sleepers. Like the Zoned Dough, the memory foam for the Zoned Shoulder Dough is aerated and the same infusion options are available.

The Zoned ActiveDough pillows are also ventilated, with larger holes in the center to cradle the head and smaller holes along the edges for better neck and shoulder support. The ActiveDough is available with charcoal bamboo, chamomile, peppermint, and lavender infusions, as well as a cooling gel infusion option.

The Contour Dough is an orthopedic pillow that provides ergonomic support for the head, neck, and spine.

Malouf also offers a handful of pillows belonging to the Gel Dough subcategory; these pillows are made from a proprietary gel-infused memory foam material.

The flagship Gel Dough pillow features a single-piece of gel-infused memory foam and a Tencel® lyocell cover. It is available in mid-loft and high-loft designs.

The Zoned Gel Dough is ventilated for better air circulation. It is available in low-, mid-, and high-loft designs.

The Zoned Shoulder Gel Dough is another Malouf pillow shaped with a prominent indentation on the bottom to accommodate side sleepers and provide better spinal alignment.

The Contour Gel Dough is an orthopedic pillow with a raised back to ergonomically support the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders.

Malouf offers optional Z Gel layers with the Gel Dough, Zoned Shoulder Gel Dough, and Contour Gel Dough pillows, as well as the standard Dough pillow. Z Gel is a liquid gel layer on one side for exceptional cooling. Additionally, the Gel Dough + Dual Z Gel pillow features a liquid ge surface on both sides.

The Shredded Gel Dough pillow is Malouf’s only shredded memory foam pillow meant for nightly sleeping (see travel pillows below for more options). The pillow features shredded memory foam fill encased in a solid foam sleeve for better shape retention, along with a cooling rayon from bamboo cover.

Malouf also offers the CarbonCool + OmniPhase pillow, which is constructed from a single-piece of ventilated, graphite-infused memory foam with a top layer of phase-change material (PCM). The PCM layer keeps the pillow exceptionally cool and can be very beneficial for naturally hot sleepers.

In addition to the memory foam options listed above, Malouf offers the following latex pillows:

The Shredded Latex pillow is constructed with shredded latex pieces encased in a polyester liner, along with a cotton cover.

The Zoned Talalay Latex pillow includes one piece of aerated Talalay latex encased in a cotton cover. This pillow is available in two loft settings, each with two corresponding firmness options.

The Zoned Gel Talalay Latex is very similar to the Zoned Talalay Latex, with one key difference: the latex in the former is gel-infused, which allows it to sleep noticeably cooler.

Malouf also offers down/feather and down alternative pillows:

The TripleLayer Down Pillow is constructed with three layers: top and bottom layers of 90% down, 10% feathers for an exceptionally soft surface; and a central layer of 90% feathers, 10% down for added structural support. The cover is made of undyed cotton.

The Gelled Microfiber pillow features a gel-infused down alternative microfibers encased in a cotton-percale cover. This pillow is available in Queen, King, and Body pillow sizes. Additionally, Malouf offers Gelled Microfiber + Gel Dough and Gelled Microfiber + Shredded Latex hybrid pillows that incorporate elements of two distinct designs.

The Convolution pillow features a layer of convoluted gel dough memory foam encased in gel-infused down alternative microfibers. The memory foam can be removed and rotated to create three distinct firmness settings. This pillow also includes a cotton cover. The Gel Convolution features a very similar design, but with gel-infused memory foam substituting for standard memory foam.

The Cotton Encased Down Blend pillow is filled with 95% duck feathers, 10% down encased in a layer of cotton padding for a stable yet soft feel. The pillow’s cover is also made of cotton.

In addition to standard sleeping pillows, Malouf offers a handful of travel-size pillows. These include travel-size versions of the following pillows listed above:

The Lounge is designed for sitting on floors or in backless seats. It features two arms and a raised back that measures 17″ high. The Lounge is filled with shredded foam encased in a cover made of polyester and rayon from bamboo.

The Wedge is a firm bolster pillow constructed with a single piece of polyfoam and a cover made of polyester and rayon from bamboo. A Gel Dough Wedge pillow, which features a layer of gel-infused memory foam at the base, is also available.

The Horseshoe is a U-shaped body pillow measuring 30″ wide and 28″ long. It is filled with down alternative fibers, and especially suitable for pregnant women and other side sleepers.

The L-Shape has an ergonomically friendly design that provides strong support to the head and neck. It may also be used as a pregnancy pillow or a pressure-relieving nursing pillow.

The Wrap-Around is a C-shaped body pillow filled with soft down alternative fibers. It is designed to wrap around the body for exceptional head, neck, back, hip, and stomach support, making it ideal for pregnant women.

These pillows all vary in terms of size, shape, and loft; a full overview of the brand’s product line is included below. Read on to learn more about the Z Pillows from Malouf Sleep, along with the brand’s shipping, return, and warranty policies and some similar pillow recommendations.

Pros

Wide range of pillow materials, sizes, and firmness/loft settings

Most pillows provide better-than-average support and pressure relief

Good temperature neutrality for most models

A+ BBB rating

Cons

Higher-than-average price-points

No sleep trial

Difficult to clean

Informing Our Review

Recommendations

A sleeper’s experience with a pillow often depends on his or her body weight and sleep position, as well as other factors like loft and material composition. Our sleeper ratings for Malouf pillows based on weight and position are listed below.

Please note: due to the wide selection of Malouf pillows, we have chosen to provide collective ratings for all pillows in the Dough, Gel Dough, latex, and down/feather and down alternative subcategories.

We have not received enough feedback to generate ratings for the brand’s specialty or travel pillows; we will update this section once we have sufficient data to create ratings for these models.

Ratings

Now let’s see how owners and sleep-testers have rated Malouf pillows for durability, pressure relief, odor potential, and other performance factors. Ratings for Malouf’s Dough, Gel Dough, latex, and down/feather and down alternative pillows are listed below.

Malouf Z Dough Pillows

Category

Criteria

Malouf Z Dough Rating

What Malouf Z Dough Users Say

Category

Durability

Criteria

The average pillow performs for two to three years of regular, nightly use before it needs to be replaced; material composition is usually the biggest factor for pillow durability.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Dough pillows – like most single-piece memory foam models – tend to develop indentations over time; the pillows have an expected lifespan of about three years.

Category

Firmness Options

Criteria

Pillows sold in one firmness setting may be limiting for customers compared to models with multiple firmness options.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Dough pillows include varying firmness options, as well as models that are available in multiple settings; this selection should accommodate most sleepers.

Category

Shape Retention

Criteria

Some pillows require constant fluffing and shaking to maintain a fulL-Shape, while others retain their shape well with minimal maintenance.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Single-piece memory foam pillows usually offer much better shape retention than shredded foam models, and Dough pillows from Malouf are no exception.

Category

Moldability

Criteria

Pillows that are exceptionally soft and squeezable are ideal for people who like to snuggle with a pillow while they sleep.

Rating

Fair (all models)

What Buyers Say

Dough pillows are not particularly moldable and may not be a good option for pillow snugglers.

Category

Conforming

Criteria

Pillows that conform closely to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders typically alleviate more discomfort and provide better spinal alignment than pillows that conform less.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Conforming is a key strength of Dough pillows. The memory foam cradles the sleeper’s head and forms a tight impression around high-pressure areas for targeted relief of aches and pains.

Category

Temperature Neutrality

Criteria

Some pillows absorb more body heat from sleepers than others; as a result, they may feel excessively warm.

Rating

Fair (Dough and Dough Contour)
Very Good (other Dough models)

What Buyers Say

The Dough and Dough Contour pillows are not ventilated and may sleep warm for some, but other Dough models are ventilated to promote better airflow and sleep cooler.

Category

Odor Potential

Criteria

Most pillows emit odor when new, but some are associated with stronger and/or more persistent off-gassing smells than others.

Rating

Good

What Buyers Say

Dough pillows produce some odor when new, but the smells typically clear out in a matter of days.

Category

Weight

Criteria

Most pillows are light by design, but those weighing more than six pounds can be cumbersome and difficult to adjust.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Regardless of size or individual model, Dough pillows weigh between four and five pounds, making them relatively light and easy to move compared to other single-piece foam pillows.

Category

Ease of Cleaning

Criteria

Many pillows sold today can be washed and dried in machines, but some require costlier and/or more intensive cleaning measures such as dry cleaning or spot cleaning.

Rating

Fair

What Buyers Say

Dough pillows have removable covers than can be washed and dried in machines, but the memory foam core is spot-clean only.

Malouf Z Gel Dough Pillows

Although expected pillow lifespan varies by material composition, most models perform for two to three years before a replacement is needed.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Malouf Gel Dough pillows have expected lifespans of about three years; indentations may develop over time.

Category

Firmness Options

Criteria

Pillows sold in multiple firmness settings accommodate a wider range of customers than single-firmness models.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Gel Dough pillows range from ‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Medium’ in terms of firmness, which may be limiting for customers seeking a firmer pillow.

Category

Shape Retention

Criteria

Pillows that maintain a fulL-Shape are typically more comfortable and supportive than those that need constant fluffing and shaking.

Rating

Good (Shredded Gel Dough)
Very Good (other models)

What Buyers Say

The Shredded Gel Dough requires some fluffing to maintain a fulL-Shape, but other Gel Dough pillows feature a single piece of foam that retains shape very well.

Category

Moldability

Criteria

Moldable pillows are ideal for pillow snugglers because they are squeezable and cuddly; less moldable models are not as suitable.

Rating

Very Good (Shredded Gel Dough)
Fair (other models)

What Buyers Say

As is the case with many shredded foam pillows, the Shredded Gel Dough is considerably more moldable than the single-piece Gel Dough models.

Category

Conforming

Criteria

Pillows that conform closely to the head, neck, and shoulders tend to alleviate more aches and pains for sleepers than those that conform less.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Like the Dough pillows, Gel Dough pillows conform closely and consistently to alleviate discomfort and improve spinal alignment for side sleepers.

Category

Temperature Neutrality

Criteria

Some pillows absorb more body heat from sleepers and feel somewhat warm, while others are designed to provide better temperature neutrality and sleep cooler.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

The gel-infused memory foam in Gel Dough pillows is noticeably cooler than other memory foams; Gel Dough pillows that are ventilated offer the best air circulation.

Category

Odor Potential

Criteria

Off-gassing odor is to be expected when a pillow is new, but some models produce stronger and/or longer-lasting smells.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Off-gassing does not appear to be a major issue with Gel Dough pillows, particularly the aerated models.

Category

Weight

Criteria

Although most pillows are relatively light, some are heavier and more difficult to move and adjust than others.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Gel Dough pillows weigh four to five pounds, depending on the selected model, and are fairly easy to lift and adjust for most.

Category

Ease of Cleaning

Criteria

While most pillows can be washed and dried in machines, some require spot cleaning, dry cleaning, and other costlier and/or more intensive measures.

Rating

Fair (all models)

What Buyers Say

Gel Dough pillows have covers that can be washed and dried in machines, but the memory foam core of single-piece pillows should be spot-cleaned only; the Shredded Gel Dough pillow’s fill should not be cleaned.

Malouf’s Shredded Latex pillow is more moldable and conducive to snuggling than the single-piece Zoned Talalay Latex models.

Category

Conforming

Criteria

Some pillows conform closely and consistently to target high pressure areas and alleviate aches and pains; those that conform less usually do not provide the same level of pain and pressure relief.

Rating

Very Good (Zoned Talalay/Zoned Gel Talalay Latex)
Good (Shredded Latex)

What Buyers Say

The Zoned Talalay Latex pillow models conform very closely to alleviate discomfort and improve spinal alignment; the Shredded Latex pillow also conforms, but not as closely.

Category

Temperature Neutrality

Criteria

Pillows that absorb more body heat from sleepers tend to feel excessively warm, and may not be as suitable for sleepers who struggle with temperature neutrality.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Malouf pillows with shredded or ventilate single-piece latex cores are very temperature-neutral, and should sleep cool and comfortable for most.

Category

Odor Potential

Criteria

Off-gassing odor is common with new pillows, but some models continue to emit smells long after they have been unpackaged.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Like other latex pillows, the Shredded Latex and Zoned Talalay Latex pillows from Malouf emit some odor when new, but smells tend to dissipate within a day or two.

Category

Weight

Criteria

Most pillows are relatively light, but those weighing six pounds or more may be difficult for some owners to lift and adjust during the night.

Rating

Good (Shredded Latex)
Very Good (Zoned Talalay Latex)

What Buyers Say

The Shredded Latex pillow weighs four to six pounds, depending on the size, making it heavier and potentially harder to adjust than the Zoned Talalay Latex models (which weigh up to three and a half pounds).

Category

Ease of Cleaning

Criteria

Pillows that can be washed and dried in machines are low-maintenance compared to those that require dry cleaning, spot cleaning, or other more expensive and/or time-consuming cleaning instructions.

Rating

Fair (all models)

What Buyers Say

Malouf pillows made of latex have covers that can be washed and dried in machines; the Zoned Talalay Latex models have spot-clean-only cores, and the Shredded Latex pillow’s filL-Should not be cleaned.

Malouf Z Down/Feather and Down Alternative Pillows

The average pillow needs to be replaced after two to three years of nightly use; expected lifespan typically depends on the pillow’s material composition.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Pillows with down/feather or down alternative fill are typically less durable than other pillow types, but Malouf models have average expected lifespans – about two and a half to three years.

Category

Firmness Options

Criteria

Pillows sold in one firmness option are more limiting for customers than those available in multiple settings.

Rating

Very Good (Convolution/Gel Convolution)
Fair (other models)

What Buyers Say

The Convolution and Gel Convolution pillows offer three firmness settings, depending on how the memory foam core is positioned. Other Malouf pillows with down/feather or down alternative fill vary slightly in terms of firmness, but are all generally considered ‘Soft.’

Category

Shape Retention

Criteria

Pillows that maintain a fulL-Shape tend to be more comfortable and supportive than those that need frequent fluffing and shaking.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

The down/feather and down alternative pillows from Malouf provide better shape retention than most competing pillows with similar construction – but some fluffing may be needed from time to time.

Category

Moldability

Criteria

Moldable pillows are a good option for sleepers who like to snuggle with a pillow during the night.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Down/feather and down alternative pillows are usually very squeezable and cuddly, and models from Malouf with these fill types are no exception.

Category

Conforming

Criteria

Pillows that conform closely and consistently to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders are better at alleviating pressure and improving spinal alignment.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

The down/feather and down alternative pillows from Malouf are soft and will alleviate some aches and pains, but they do not conform as closely as the brand’s foam or latex models.

Category

Temperature Neutrality

Criteria

Most pillows sleep fairly cool, but some absorb heat from sleepers that causes them to become uncomfortably warm.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Like most down/feather and down alternative pillows, the Malouf selection provides decent temperature neutrality and sleep relatively cool for most.

Category

Odor Potential

Criteria

Most pillows emit odor when they are new, but these smells should completely dissipate in a short matter of time.

Rating

Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

The down/feather and down alternative pillows from Malouf produce some odor when new, but long-term smells do not appear to be an issue.

Category

Weight

Criteria

Most pillows sold today are relatively light, but models on the heavier side may be difficult for some owners to lift and adjust.

Rating

Very Good (all models)

What Buyers Say

Malouf’s down/feather and down alternative pillows are all fairly light; models with memory foam components are heavier, but still relatively easy to lift and move for most.

Category

Ease of Cleaning

Criteria

Pillows can usually be washed and dried in machines, but some materials require dry cleaning, spot cleaning, or other more intensive measures.

Rating

Fair (all models)

What Buyers Say

All down/feather and down alternative pillows from Malouf have removable covers than can be washed and dried in machines, but the filL-Should not be cleaned.

As you can see, performance ratings for Malouf Z pillows vary considerably by material composition. The Dough and Gel Dough pillows – along with single-piece latex models – provide the best conforming and alleviate more pain and pressure than the brand’s other models. They also retain a full shape with minimal fluffing.

Pillows with shredded memory foam, shredded latex, or down/feather or down alternative fill are the most moldable.

All Malouf Z pillows provide average to above-average temperature neutrality (ventilated models sleep the coolest) and none of the brand’s pillows are especially heavy. However, all of them are somewhat high-maintenance when it comes to cleaning.

What You Need to Know about Malouf Pillows

Product Construction & Firmness

First let’s look at how Malouf pillows are made. The table below lists firmness, thickness, and material composition specs for all of Malouf’s current Z pillows.

Pricing & Sizing

Next we’ll look at product dimensions and price-points for all Malouf Z pillows. The first table lists width, length, and thickness dimensions for Malouf pillow sizes, along with model availability status.

Delivery & Product Care

Product CareZ Pillows have covers that can be washed and dried in machines, but other components are spot-clean only.

Full delivery and product care details

Delivery

Where Can the Pillow Be Shipped?: Malouf ships mattresses within the contiguous U.S. Customers in Alaska or Hawaii can contact Malouf’s customer service department to learn about delivery options.Delivery Fee: Standard shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S.

Delivery Policy: The delivery policy for Malouf Sleep is as follows:

Malouf deliveries are coordinated through UPS. Most customers receive their pillow within five to seven business days.

Malouf does not ship pillows to P.O. boxes.

Caring for Your Malouf Pillow

Instructions for First Time Use: Pillows with Dough memory foam may require a short break-in period; exposure to the sleeper’s body temperature will help the foam soften and adapt, but external heat sources will damage the pillow and should not be used. Owners who notice strong off-gassing odor should wash the pillow cover and place the pillow in a dry location with exposure to direct sunlight.

Cleaning Instructions:

Wash the cover in a machine in warm water on a gentle cycle with non-bleach detergent. Do not wash other items with the cover; the zipper may cause fabrics to tear or rip.

Tumble dry the cover on low heat.

The interior of the pillow is spot-clean only. Use mild detergent and rinse with warm water.

Dry the pillow at room temperature without exposing it to heat or sunlight.

Sleep Trial & Warranty

Sleep trialNo sleep trial

WarrantyVaries by pillow (3 to 5 years)

Full trial period and warranty details

Trial Period and Guarantee

Malouf does not offer a sleep trial for any pillow products. However, the company will issue a full refund for unopened pillows that are returned within 30 nights of the original purchase.

Warranty

Malouf offers either a three-year or five-year warranty for all pillows.

Both warranties are completely nonprorated. Warranty coverage begins on the date of purchase. Malouf will, at its sole option, repair, replace, or issue a full refund for defective pillows for as long as the warranty is valid.

Both warranties will not cover normal wear and tear or damages that occur due to abuse, neglect, or improper cleaning. Additionally, the five-year warranty does not cover indentations in the foam that measure less than one and a half inches (1 1/2″).

This warranty is non-transferable. It is exclusively available to original owners who purchase their pillow from Malouf or an authorized retailer. Those who buy or acquire their pillow from the original owner or a non-authorized retailer do not receive warranty coverage.